Innovation

Suspended coffee is whereby a customer purchases a coffee in advance, that can later be requested by another person. It is based on the Italian goodwill tradition. It is small act of kindness that a person in need of physical comfort, conversation, a smile, and a sense of belonging. The concept was originally brought to Maria’s attention by a customer who suggested that they might consider participating in the suspended coffee initiative. Maria, through her business, is very passionate about community and building a community that cares for one another. Harpers coffee house embraced the suspended coffee but also built upon this. The employees, in addition to providing a suspended coffee for anyone who requests it, also on a weekly basis distribute free beverages to homeless people around the milk market. Where there is a surplus of funds, they will buy teabags and bring these to local homeless shelters. In showing the collective spirit that acts of kindness can inspire, other businesses within the milk market have also contributed surplus food to homeless shelters. The staff in Harpers Coffee House have learned by example and have been empowered to automatically offer a coffee if they see someone in need.

The coffee's contribution helps those in need to have food and hot beverages which can provide comfort. It initiative also brings awareness to customers of both the homeless plight but also that anyone of any reason can fall on tough times. It allows customers to make a small contribution to contributing to helping those in their community.

The suspended coffee initiative directly links to the UN SDG of sustainable communities. Because of the very close relationships built up in Harpers Coffee House, customers can both see the need to assist others but also get the direct feedback on how their contributions work. Young staff members are made also made aware of people less fortunate and are given the chance to reach out and help. Anyone in need, knows that they can come to Harpers Coffee House and will receive a friendly welcome. While it is not the main aim, to a lesser extent, by this contribution, the business helps reducing hunger and poverty.

Inspiration

The concept was originally brought to Maria’s attention by a customer posting on facebook who suggested that they might consider participating in the suspended coffee initiative. Originally Maria attempted to bring in other businesses on the concept but when no interest was received, she decided that Harpers Coffee House would still pursue the idea. Maria understands that, 'circumstances can change for anyone', and believes the milkmarket and her business is about, 'friendship and community' and therefore the concept of suspended coffee was a good fit with her business.

Overall impact

The overall impact is that it brings to the forefront the importance of community looking out for one another and helping eachother (no matter how small the act). People have become aware of those around them.

Harpers Coffee House no longer advertises suspended coffee in their shop as it is no longer required. They have built a loyal customer base who are aware of the initiative and will contribute without the need for prompting. The customers are likely to be more loyal with the knowledge that the coffee shop cares about their society and knowing that their purchases would eventually lead to improvement of the society as a whole.

Staff do not need to be prompted to go out and offer coffee to a homeless person. They develop empathy and compassion and pride in their communities, all skills which they can take into their future lives to build out strong and sustainable communities.

It has also encouraged other businesses to participate if helping others, by providing other things such as food. In the long-term, if more businesses joined together regularly, it can help reduce the effects of poverty and hunger in Limerick.

Providing those stuck in poverty or maybe just an interim tough time, with acts of kinds and with practical items (food and drinks) it can provide great comfort and moral support and more importantly, hope. It can provide the feeling of belonging to a community and a feeling of self-worth.

Business benefit

Although Maria has not measured the economic benefits that may be a buy product of suspended coffee, she believes that it has shown that the coffee house and its owners are ‘not all about the sales and profit’ and shows that she is, ‘community based’ and that ‘we are personal’. As a result, Maria has very loyal customers which is important to the long-term viability of the business. It is highly probable that the business benefits from positive word of mouth ‘advertising’ about their community based approach to business.

The coffee house is likely to attract socially conscious customer a result of the suspended coffee activities. Maria noted that she’s unaware of another coffee shop in the area offering a similar scheme. Therefore, a customer who would prefer good CSR activities would appreciate this as being one of the only coffee shops to be offering this in the area.

Social and environmental benefit

The suspended coffee initiative brings together a many people from different parts of the community all contributing to taking care of each other. Business, staff, customers, recipients of the suspended coffee, are all connected as members of the community through small acts of kindness.

When talking to Maria she was very passionate about community helping each other. Often, (but not necessarily), people availing of the suspended coffee, are from vulnerable groups who often feel marginalised. This initiate allows for them to feel relevant, important and seen.

As one business takes the initiative to become more community focused, others often follow suit. Local business’s taking an active interest in the health of their communities will often see long term benefits. Communities that take pride in themselves and look after one another become more resilient during times of economic downturns. People will buy from and support their local businesses within their communities.

Interview

Maria Collins Harper, Coffee shop GM